Briefing:NEC By-Election 2026 – LGBTQ+ Network From: Karen Wilkie For attention of: All Party Members, All Party Officers Published: 9th February 2026 Last updated: 16th February 2026 Printed: 26th February 2026 Other formats: Print Candidates for this by-election must be members of the LGBTQ+ Network Elections to the Co-operative Party National Executive Committee normally take place every three years. Ashley Halstead, who was elected to represent LGBTQ+ members has stepped down from the NEC and there is now a vacancy. This member will serve from their election until the end of this current NEC term in June 2027, and will then be eligible to seek re-election for a further term. Candidates for this by-election must be current members of the Party who applied to join on or before 6 June 2025 and be members of the LGBTQ+ network. If you are considering seeking election to the NEC, please read the Guidance for Candidates carefully, together with the NEC Handbook and Code of Conduct, to ensure that you meet the criteria and know what is expected of a member of the NEC. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Karen Wilkie, Board Secretary at board@party.coop. The closing date for nominations is 12 noon on Friday 6 March 2026. Please ensure that you have completed the self nomination form below in full by that date. NEC By-Election 2026 - LGBTQ+ Network - Candidate Self-Nomination Form To seek election, you be must be a current member of the Co-operative Party, have applied to join on or before 6 June 2025 and be a member of the Co-operative Party's LGBTQ+ Network. Forename*Surname*PhoneThis may be necessary to contact you about your nomination. 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It may be published on the Party's election webpage and will be circulated to members eligible to vote. It must not exceed 250 words but may include links to your personal social media sites. The Co-operative Party reserves the right to edit or not to publish an election statement that exceeds the word limit, is factually inaccurate or contains libellous material. Failure to provide an election statement by close of nominations will not invalidate your candidacy. Instead, the words 'Information not provided' will be published in the space which would have contained your election statement. Declaration & Signature*I consent to my nomination, the use of my personal data as detailed on this page, and confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the information provided on this form is accurate. I have read the NEC Handbook and am eligible to stand for election to and to serve as a member of the Co-operative Party NEC. If elected I agree abide by the NEC Code of Conduct. Action Points Self-nomination formCandidates must read the guidance, handbook and code of conduct and complete the form on this page in full by 12 noon on Friday 6 March For more information Karen Wilkie Board Secretary Resources NEC Handbook NEC Code of Conduct Guidance for candidates